Red Rock Adventurer Tour
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
3-4 Days, 2-3 Nights 22 MI / 35 KM
Trip Highlights
The Sedona Red Rock Adventurer tour is an opportunity to experience the best of Sedona’s wild backcountry while still enjoying the quaint lodging and amazing restaurants of Sedona itself! We’ll warm up on Day 1 with a hike to one of Sedona’s most iconic, spectacular natural features. Then our focus shifts to topping out on some of the Sedona area’s Red Rock summits for HUGE panoramic views!
In the evenings we’ll relax in style at our lodge. We’ll work hard and play hard on this trip, with wonderful meals at hand-picked, award-winning restaurants around Sedona.
If you’re looking for a chance to challenge your body, spirit, and/or camera lens, this is the tour for you! On this trip, we will have the opportunity to see one of Arizona’s most photographed locations, to top a summit that sends more people back to the trailhead than reach the top, to experience an exhilarating hike along a ridgeline and a mountain climb that offers one of the steeper ascents in the area – all with extremely rewarding views!
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Iconic Red Rock Landscapes
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"Secret Garden" of the Rim Country
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Charming Creekside Accommodations
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Sedona's Best, Most Adventurous Hikes
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Amazing Natural & Cultural History
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Historic Mining Town Tour & Dinner
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Guides Choice Trip
Book This Trip
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
3-4 Days, 2-3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
5-9 mi -
Group Size
2-6 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
Sedona trips follow well traveled and built trails, but the nature of the landscape lends itself to sections of moderate heights exposure and consistent walking on rocky and sandy terrain. This trip has long hiking distances but with generally moderate elevation gains and light backpack weights. It is between a level 2 and 3 difficulty tour, tending slightly toward level 2.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
1-way Elevation Change: 500 feet
Accommodations: Briar Patch Inn or Inn Above Oak Creek
On our first day of this Sedona hiking vacation we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and then depart for the day’s hike. Our first trek will be a warm-up hike: 7.5 miles on one of Sedona’s most scenic hiking routes. We begin near Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, two of Sedona’s most prominent and beautiful landmarks, and quickly climb several hundred feet into layered shelves of red rock sandstone. Half-way into our hike we’ll reach Cathedral Rock, a stunning, nearly 1,000 foot tall sandstone monolith.
We’ll rest in the shade of cottonwood trees lining the banks of Oak Creek, along the northwest side of Cathedral Rock. Your guide will prepare a tasty lunch and share some of the native and indigenous history of the area – this very spot was once a fertile hunting ground.
After lunch, we’ll complete our hike among the towering cliffs, sheer pinnacles and pristine canyons of Sedona. We will settle in to our lodging for an hour or two of relaxation, with the option to experience some of Sedona’s artisan shopping districts before dinner out at one of our favorite Sedona restaurants.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 8.6 miles
1-way Elevation Change: 1198 feet
Accommodations: Briar Patch Inn or Inn Above Oak Creek
This is one of Sedona’s gem hikes as we walk back in time on old wagon roads (now trails) to a red rock saddle that offers incredible views. The trail we hike is named for the overhanging rock that shelters part of the route from the sun, and is a Sedona must-do. It involves exhilarating steps on pure sandstone up Schnebly Hill for vistas and panoramic views of the canyons below. This is a great hike to hear the history and story of T.C. Schnebly and his wife Sedona, for whom the town is named after.
If we have time and our group is game, tonight we will head to the historic mining town of Jerome, Arizona (45 minutes away). Jerome, a 19th century mining town built on the side of a steep mountain, is one of the most unique places in America. Your guide will give you a walking tour of the switchbacking streets, staircase sidewalks, haunted buildings, and amazing history of this quaint Arizona gem. We will enjoy dinner in Jerome’s most historic and charming restaurant before heading back to Sedona.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 8.8 miles
1-way Elevation Change: 2250 feet
Accommodations: Briar Patch Inn or Inn Above Oak Creek
Today we’ll head north to conquer Sedona’s highest peak at 7,122 feet.
On the first few steps of this hike we’re immediately transported to an entirely new character of landscape – the ecosystem is lush, with tall, deciduous and coniferous trees. Towering red and white sandstone spires protrude from the mountainside and provide stunning views as we ascend to the summit of this glorious mountain.
On the summit we’re rewarded with arguably one of the best views the Sedona area can offer – a panorama of the beautiful Red Rocks surrounding us and Oak Creek Canyon below us!
After a picnic lunch overlooking Sedona, we will return back into Sedona. On the 3-day itinerary, we will bring you back to your accommodations and say our goodbyes after an amazing journey!
If on a 4 day itinerary, we will return back to our lodge to relax before heading out to a delicious Sedona dinner.
Day 4 (4-day itinerary only)
- Hiking Mileage: 4.5-8 miles
- 1-way Elevation Change: 500-800 feet
We will eventually return to Sedona proper to bring you back to your accommodations and say our goodbyes after an unforgettable 4 days in Red Rock country!
Important: this trip is operated as either a 3-day or 4-day itinerary, and is confirmed as such in advance. Variation of trip length does not mean guests can choose to leave a trip or early or extend it a day.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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2 or 3 nights of double occupancy lodging at Briar Patch Inn or Inn Above Oak Creek (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
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Dinner at wonderful, hand-picked, award-winning restaurants in and around Sedona
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Breakfasts, picnic lunches prepared by your guide, and trail snacks
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Use of a day pack, trekking poles and Microspike crampons during winter months
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Transportation for the duration of the tour originating and concluding in Sedona
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Alcoholic beverages
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Briar Patch Inn
2-3 nights
Nestled in the lush vegetation along Oak Creek, this charming boutique inn offers the perfect jumping off point for a rejuvenating Sedona Red Rock adventure! It offers natural beauty, modern amenities and solitude, but no wifi or televisions in the rooms.
(wifi in lobby, natural beauty)
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
Your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will give you the phone number for this call during the pre-trip contact approximately 10 days before your trip start date.
Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Sedona.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Sedona
Travel to Sedona
ARIZONA SHUTTLE
Groome Transportation makes 13 dependable trips daily each direction between Phoenix and Sedona. The duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes. They pickup/drop off at Sky Harbor Airport and the Metro Center in Phoenix, and in Sedona they will drop you off and/or pick you up at your hotel for a small additional fee.
There is no shuttle service from Las Vegas to Sedona.
CAR RENTAL
Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix and Harry Reid International Airportin Las Vegas have fantastic car rental facilities that are easily accessible and host a great variety of companies. We recommend checking Priceline.com as well for especially good deals.
The drive time from Phoenix to Sedona is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Las Vegas it is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
ARIZONA EXECUTIVE TRANSPORT
Arizona Executive Transport offers private, reliable SUV service between Phoenix and Sedona. This option is best if you’re traveling in a group of 3 or 4. As Wildland Trekking guests, your one-way cost for up to 4 passengers is discounted. Simply type “Wildland Trekking Company” in the Discount Code Box at the bottom of the online registration page. The discount varies depending on the time of year. You can go to http://www.arizonaexecutivellc.com to make your reservations online.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s departure time in the pre trip contact. Generally, you can expect between 5-8am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions.We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Rebecca P
6 months agoPhenomenal
Our guide Beau was phenomenal, 11/10! His knowledge of the local geology, history, plants, and wildlife really made the trip special. I learned so much more and gained a deeper appreciation for the area than I would have been able to do if I traveled on my own.
Hamish R
8 months agoFantastic
Doug is an excellent guide . Knowledgeable and companionable. The treks were fantastic and the lodging and food very good too .
Jaclyn B
8 months agoLoved the Sedona Red Rock hikes!
Loved the Sedona Red Rock hikes! We saw a variety of stunning views and terrain throughout the Sedona area. Tolman was an amazing guide. He did a fantastic job of customizing the hikes to the interests, capabilities, and pace of the group while adjusting to the weather. He chose wonderful restaurants, and made time for us to see Jerome and the Sedona Heritage Museum. Tolman's attention to detail was meticulous, with delicious lunches (hot soup on a chilly March afternoon on Bear Mountain will not be forgotten). He accommodated dietary preferences, with some fun surprises as well. Tolman was exceptional at offering guidance, support, and encouragement along the way. The Briar Patch Inn was a wonderful accommodation, perfectly located near trailheads but away from the crowded areas. The staff there was so kind and the property offered a lovely, peaceful atmosphere. I highly recommend this trip.
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